Tag: Retirement Income Planning
When Should You Claim Social Security in a 30-Year Retirement? (Ep. 6)

When Should You Claim Social Security in a 30-Year Retirement? (Ep. 6)

By |

When should you claim Social Security, and how could that decision affect your retirement income, taxes, and your spouse’s benefits? If you’re approaching retirement, deciding when to take Social Security involves more than choosing between age 62, full retirement age, and 70.

In this episode, Gary Bowman explains why deciding when to claim Social Security should be part of your broader retirement income and tax plan. He explores how continued work, health, family longevity, IRA withdrawals, and your spouse’s age can influence when you file. Gary also explains Social Security spousal and survivor benefits, how Social Security may be taxed, where Roth conversions may fit, and what recent rule changes mean for certain public-sector retirees.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why there isn’t one answer for when to claim Social Security
  • How claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70 can affect your monthly benefit
  • What Social Security spousal and survivor benefits mean for retirement income
  • How IRA withdrawals and other income may affect Social Security taxes
  • Where Roth conversions may fit before required minimum distributions begin
  • What recent Social Security changes mean for certain public-sector retirees
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gary Bowman:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Why Retirement Is More Than Investing (Ep. 2)

Why Retirement Is More Than Investing (Ep. 2)

By |

What actually makes a retirement plan work in real life?

In episode 2 of Building a Retirement Plan that Lasts, Gary Bowman explains why relying too heavily on market returns can create stress and lead to emotional decision-making when markets shift. Instead, he introduces a more complete approach that focuses on building a plan around how you actually want to live. Gary also shares how retirement planning should be an ongoing process, not a one-time document, evolving as your life, priorities, and circumstances change.

In this conversation, Gary covers:

  • Why investment-driven plans often fall short when life changes
  • How lifestyle choices, like travel and hobbies, shape your financial plan
  • The impact of family dynamics, including caregiving and adult children moving back home
  • The rising cost of healthcare and how it can affect retirement decisions
  • Difficult but necessary conversations around disability, loss, and relationships
  • What a truly comprehensive retirement plan should include, beyond just numbers
  • And more!

This episode is ideal for anyone approaching retirement who wants more clarity and confidence in their plan, not just on paper, but in real life. Listen to the full episode to explore how a thoughtful plan can support the life you want to live.

Resources:

Connect with Gary Bowman:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Meet Gary Bowman: A Different Approach to Retirement (Ep. 1)

Meet Gary Bowman: A Different Approach to Retirement (Ep. 1)

By |

Most people spend decades saving for retirement, but very few stop to ask what that money is actually meant to support. The real challenge isn’t just building wealth, it’s turning it into a life you’re excited to live.

In this first episode of Building a Retirement Plan that Lasts, Gary Bowman sits down to introduce the philosophy that has guided his decades-long career in retirement planning.

Gary’s approach is simple: retirement planning is not just about numbers; it’s about people. While investments and strategies matter, they are ultimately tools to help someone live the life they’ve worked hard to build.

Gary shares how his perspective was shaped by real-life experiences, from watching his grandparents struggle financially to seeing his father retire early and enjoy decades of freedom. Those moments helped define his belief that thoughtful planning, discipline, and clear priorities can create options later in life.

Throughout the conversation, Gary breaks down what truly matters when building a retirement plan:

  • Why retirement planning should be personal, not transactional
  • How money acts as a tool to support lifestyle, not the end goal
  • The role of trust and deep client relationships in long-term success
  • What disciplined savers tend to do differently over time
  • Why is there no one-size-fits-all retirement plan
  • How to evaluate and choose a financial advisor you feel comfortable with
  • And more!

This episode is designed for anyone approaching retirement who wants more clarity around their future, and a better understanding of how to turn years of saving into a plan that supports the life they actually want to live.

Listen to the full episode to hear Gary’s full perspective and start thinking about what a retirement plan that truly fits your life could look like.

Resources:

Connect with Gary Bowman:

About the Host:

Gary Bowman is a seasoned financial advisor with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families prepare for and transition into retirement. His approach focuses on building reliable income, protecting wealth, and creating personalized strategies that align with each client’s lifestyle and long-term goals. Gary believes the most successful retirement plans are built on trust, discipline, and a deep understanding of what truly matters to each individual.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More